Assistant Director - Engagement, South Queensland Region

Description:

The NIAA fosters a collaborative, culturally respectful, and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued, and Indigenous voices are central to decision-making.
Working at the Toowoomba sub regional office of the NIAA offers a unique and meaningful opportunity to engage directly with communities and make a tangible impact. Here's what makes it special:

• you'll work on the ground with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, building relationships and supporting locally led solutions
• you'll see the real-world impact of policies and programs and collaborate with local service providers, Indigenous organisations, and community leaders
• you'll help ensure that government initiatives are responsive to local needs and culturally appropriate
• regional roles involve multifaceted responsibilities, from program delivery and stakeholder engagement to policy feedback and community consultation
• you'll gain broad experience and develop a deep understanding of regional and remote issues and have greater autonomy to make decisions that reflect local priorities
• your insights can shape national policy by feeding back community perspectives to central teams
• it's a great environment for those who thrive in hands-on, people-focused roles and want to grow their career in public service.

The Engagement Assistant Director role is a leadership position focused on building strong, respectful partnerships with First Nations communities and stakeholders. You will:

• lead community engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support self-determination and local priorities
• manage a regional engagement team, including mentoring, coaching, and performance oversight
• develop and maintain partnerships with stakeholders across government, community, and the private sector
• provide strategic advice on policy and program delivery, including preparing briefings and correspondence for ministers and senior executives
• support the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and other government priorities
• ensure cultural safety in the workplace and in all community interactions.

The key duties of the position include
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in community-facing leadership, enjoys strategic thinking, and is committed to First Nations empowerment.
Our ideal candidates have:

• strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities in a culturally sensitive and respectful way
• the ability to navigate complex policy and program environments, with sound analytical and problem-solving skills
• proven leadership and team management experience
• high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• a passion for driving positive outcomes for First Nations peoples
• adaptability and are responsive to changing priorities
• a commitment to community-led approaches and cultural understanding.